‘Fear of failure’ drives Nadolo
Nemani Nadolo arrived for the media stand-up in a cheerful mood, sporting a new tattoo and ready to talk footy.
There is little doubt the Fijian colossus is a good man to have around at Crusaders training sessions, and not because he enjoys his banter or is so happy to explain why it took five hours to have a Fijian design inked on his right forearm.
Nadolo is back in Christchurch for one reason only and that is to breathe some life into a Crusaders backline that, if it were a sickly pet, would be on death row at the local vet’s surgery.
Of the Crusaders’ four tries scored in their three Super Rugby matches this season, two have been claimed by the backs – right wing Johnny McNicholl dotted down against the Highlanders and halfback Andy Ellis darted over versus the Chiefs.
Nadolo has been listed on the left wing for the match against the Lions at AMI Stadium on Saturday night, one of nine positional changes made by coach Todd Blackadder who was angered by the way his players allowed themselves to be shoved about by the Chiefs during their humbling 40-16 defeat on February 28.
The sight of the 126kg Nadolo steaming around the training field, with the ball resting in his massive hand like a fragile egg, is reason for optimism and Blackadder must take comfort in knowing this guy can kill defences.
Last year Nadolo was the competition’s top-equal try scorer, with the Waratahs’ Israel Folau, on 12.
Now the pressure is applied to not just preserve his reputation, but to help the Crusaders climb from second-last place on the competition log.
Since he returned from Japan last month, Nadolo has made two appearances for the Crusaders’ development side.
‘‘I think I am more nervous – I think with the fear of failing,’’ he said ahead of his first Super Rugby outing for 2015.
‘‘The fear of not doing so well but with the boys around me and obviously just being positive, it’s humbling.
‘‘I can’t wait. I honestly feel like a little kid going to school for the first time.’’
If Nadolo is true to his word and brings that promised-energy and attitude to the backline, there can be optimism the backline won’t look as impotent as they did against the Chiefs.
Blackadder has left nothing to chance, rushing in the cavalry; No 8 and captain Kieran Read and lock Sam Whitelock will start for the first time this year. Richie McCaw goes to his rightful position at openside flanker, as Matt Todd is rested, and tighthead prop Owen Franks is back from suspension.
Dan Carter makes his comeback from the leg injury he suffered a month ago, being inserted into second five-eighth to allow Colin Slade to remain at No 10.
Blackadder must have been tempted to push Slade to fullback and Carter to firstfive, after Tom Taylor’s positional play was exposed against the Chiefs, but defended the decision, stating he wanted to minimise disruptions to the backline.
Blackadder conceded he was not happy with his side’s attack but was even less thrilled they had conceded 80 points in three matches. ‘‘Teams don’t respect us,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s why they feel they can take us on around the ruck, through the middle or through the edges.
‘‘At lot of that is to do with outright character and attitude.
‘‘Our guys have to work harder for each other but I am pretty confident from what what I have seen this week that we can turn this around rather quickly.’’